Buckeyes' domination Saturday was total

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — It was total domination by Ohio State in a 56-0 win over Rutgers on Saturday night.

J.T. Barrett stepped out of the game midway through the third quarter after throwing his third TD pass and amassing 364 total yards. He extended his Ohio State record with his 17th 300-yard game.

Mike Weber ran for three touchdowns, and Johnnie Dixon turned in two long catch-and-run TDs. The defense never gave Rutgers a chance.

Top performers:

Barrett moved to first on Ohio State’s career passing list (7,622 yards), leaving Art Schlichter (7,547) behind. Dixon had three catches for 115 yards. Dante Booker stood out on an overall marauding defensive night, with an interception in the first quarter that woke up the crowd, a sack and another tackle for loss.

Unsung workers:

Safeties Jordan Fuller, a New Jersey native, and Damon Webb (interception) took care of business. Defensive ends Tyquan Lewis and Nick Bosa had a hard rush on a third down deep in Rutgers territory to force a bad pass and then a punt, one play after Malik Harrison did the same on a blitz. It was symbolic of the defensive effort. Left tackle Jamarco Jones especially showed the way for Weber on his touchdowns.

Strategically speaking:

The Buckeyes knew going in there could be some big plays available in the passing game against a challenged Rutgers secondary, and after a fitful start, Barrett and the receivers delivered. Defensively, Ohio State attacked between the tackles almost all night and it paid dividends, especially in the second quarter.

Exposed:

Receiver Terry McLaurin came off the rails a bit in the third quarter, first getting called for unnecessary roughness on a late sideline block, then being called for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play — 30 yards total. At least the initial targeting call against him was reversed upon review and Barrett threw a 23-yard TD pass to Binjimen Victor to salvage the drive. In the fourth, safety Jahsen Wint was called for targeting and it was upheld; he was ejected.

Stat that matters:

8.9: Ohio State’s average gain per offensive play through first three quarters

Injury report:

None during the game, but defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones was left at home after suffering a leg cut that needed stitches during the week.

4: Straight blowouts for Ohio State over Rutgers, including 56-17 (2014), 49-7 (2015) and 58-0 (2016)

Wrapping up:

Ohio State won its third straight game in the manner that was expected. Barrett moved to the top of the heap in every passing category that really matters at Ohio State. Backups such as Dwayne Haskins, Joe Burrow and Demario McCall (1 TD catch, 1 TD on a 48-yard run) saw plenty of playing time.